DINOBIRD
LULLWATER: Here's melodic hard rockers that are here to party. Often putting their money where their mouth is, they haven't been afraid to do what it takes to get what they want and it shows in their music and presentation. At this stage, they sound like a lot of 70s journeyman bands that tried for the golden ring. In another year or two, they'll be sounding like the 70s bands that did grab it. Kids that want to rock will know this is the real deal from that first kick drum strike. Well done.

FOREIGN MOTION
FOREIGN MOTION/In Flight: What separates this world fusion crew from the other world fusion crews that want to follow in Weather Report and Shakti's footsteps? This bunch is fronted by the co-owner of Secret Stash Records and if you haven't taken our word for it in the past, you are missing out on one of the coolest contemporary indies out there that doesn't care a whit about being dedicated followers of fashion. Not at all a wannabe set, this original take on some well worn ground will re-open your jaded fusion ears to enjoy this new kick. High octane throughout, at least until Joe and Jaco get back, you can't go wrong with this.

INNOVA
NEIL ROLNICK/Gardening at Gropius House: Here's a set of 2 contemporary classical pieces imaged for musicians and computers in the Steve Reich mold without being copy cat stuff. Enigmatic and engaging, these sprightly pieces don't have the heaviness that goes with the genre and has the kind of right stuff that brings newbies into the tent. Friendly fun that can make ears looking for something new fall into a welcome discovery that resides outside the complacent. Check it out.
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INTEGRITY MUSIC
DAVID BACH/Other World: Sounding very much like he grew up listening to Bill Wolfer and Jim Brickman quite a bit, Bach, the MVP that plays keyboards for everyone no matter what or how big or small, steps out with his fifth solo album of jazz/new age that's loaded with easy moving for easy grooving. A tasty after hours romp with a big crew in tow, Bach handily shows the upside of what the result is when you love your work and don't think of it as work. Tasty stuff you'll want to eat with a spoon. Check it out.

PROSPECT PARK
MINDSET EVOLUTION/Brave Bold & Broken: From Peoria to Van's tour with the help of Jeff K, these heartland hard rockers never heard of EDM as they shred their way around the country in old school, power rock fashion. Playing like they are ready for the arena's now, this is a new generation of voice for the voiceless as the times we're living in are about to see everyone doubling down on their quota of hard rock. In the pocket for kids with raging hormones and no place to let them fly.
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www.reginaldcyntje.com
REGINALD CYNTJE/Love: This trombone player from Virgin Islands sounds like he never left the church basement as he presents a jazz program about an ascendant She God. Right in line with the kind of black power/black pride sounds that should send Pat Thomas off to make "Listen, Whitey, Vol. 2", it'll be hard to find anything contemporary that keeps it more real than this. Cyntje might have world elements under foot here, but he never leaves the church basement in the course of his statement. Heavy stuff but highly listenable.

SHAKEDOWN
LIGHTNIN MALCOLM/Rough Out There: As a member of North Mississippi All Stars, Malcolm already comes to the table as a brand you can trust, but with this solo set, he takes it to the next level of the game. Staking a turf of modern, traditional blues (try to stay with me), this set that bridges the past with the future is going to be one that raises the bar for everyone. Kick ass stuff that let's you imagin what Muddy Waters' migration era, industrial blues might have sounded like he was making the trip today. This is the sound of a juke joint pitching a wang dang doodle all night long, tonight, at the strip mall blues bar at the edge of town. Killer stuff throughout.

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